Missoula, MT – Weather delays have forced the operators of Montana Snowbowl to push the opening of the ski area’s new chairlift to the top of TV Mountain back by a year.

The new lift was originally scheduled to debut this winter along with several new ski runs, opening up a new summit and 1,100 new acres to skiers and riders at the resort near Missoula. But wet and muddy conditions have slowed construction activity to a halt, says ski area manager Pat McKay, who assured that the new lift would indeed open next winter.

The new 1,300 vertical-foot lift is actually a used Riblet double repurposed from Aspen.  It will serve primarily beginner and intermediate terrain on TV Mountain, which is expected to receive a second double chairlift within two years, also purchased from Aspen.

Workers expect to resume installation of the new lift sometime in May.